Boys Basketball: Cheltenham downs Wissahickon

LOWER GWYNEDD — It’s about time Cheltenham got some respect and if beating Wissahickon on the road, along with a laundry list of impressive wins, doesn’t get them some, I don’t know what will.

With sole possession of second place in the Suburban One American Division on the line, the Panthers marched into Wissahickon’s gym and showed them whose boss in the form of a 57-44 comprehensive win. Led by Aaron McGlawn’s 23 points and a stout defense, Cheltenham put first-place Norristown on notice that they are coming. Quickly.

“Winning here is tough,” Cheltenham coach Brian Johnson said. “We had a little dip on Friday, but what really impresses me is the character of these kids to turn around and play good solid basketball on the road. We’ve had battles with this team over the years and it’s a big win.”

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Although the game was fairly close through one period, that’s where the even play stopped. Using a variety of different offensive tactics, the Panthers seemed to never miss whether they were shooting from three land, posting up or pulling from mid-range. Like many teams who have played Wissahickon this season, Cheltenham used its size to bully the Trojans down low and make life uncomfortable for forward Jesse Hunsicker all night. Panther forward Guy Henderson’s 10-point performance was particularly impressive as he dominated the block.

“On Friday, we did not take the shots that Upper Dublin gave us and the guys had to learn of tough lesson: sometimes you lose when you don’t do that,” Johnson said. “Tonight, we took those shots and I think that makes a big difference. We are blessed with the ability to be able to play inside but also shoot from the outside and be successful.”

The Cheltenham defense was also solid all night. Contesting almost every open shot, the Panthers held Wissahickon to single digits in the middle quarters and just 10 in the final period thanks to a Todd Bentley triple. Trojan guard Chase Wilson got his customary double-digits in scoring with 12, but he scored only one point in the second half. Hunsicker also added 10 points, but rest of the team struggled mightily, turning the ball over on offense and getting smoked on defense.

“It was an ugly, ugly gave for us,” Wissahickon coach Kyle Wilson said. “I thought our execution wasn’t well. I was a little bit baffled. We have played such good basketball throughout the year and I expected the guys to come out better than they did tonight. It was just a sloppy game across the board.”

The Cheltenham offense poured on 47 total points in the first three quarters combined. Against a team like Wissahickon, who have been particularly good in conference games, this is no joke. Despite an overall record of 11-7, the Panthers are now 8-2 in conference and have beaten Wissahickon and Plymouth-Whitemarsh twice, along with wins against Abington and Coatsville. Is it time people start recognizing the Panthers? Johnson won’t say for himself, but he knows the feeling inside the locker room is present.

“As a coach, I pay no attention to things like that but our guys do, and they feel a little disrespected,” Johnson said. “We have had some really big wins this season. It’s something our kids certainly notice.”